The Traditional Eight Whether your tables are long or round, if you want to run your top table wedding plan by the book, there need to be eight chairs, and these are the people who would be sitting at them: the two nearlyweds, their parents, the maid of honour and the best man.

While couples can choose to organize their reception however they like, you can traditionally find the newlyweds and the wedding party seated at a head table. The best man or woman and the maid or man of honor usually will be placed right next to the couple, and the rest of the party will take the other seats.

What's a top table? At the wedding reception, the top table is where the wedding couple sit. Depending on your preference, venue size and tables that the venue have, the set-up of the top table can vary. Usually, the couple will like their parents to join them.

According to wedding seating etiquette, the top table is reserved for the bride and groom and should be positioned front and centre. It's not just a place for eating; it symbolises the union of two families.